Online Program Solving Coyote Problem

More and more wildlife are coming down into the city, particularly coyotes.

There have been a number of incidents involving coyotes taking pets in east Reno and some areas of Sparks.

Thanks to a nationwide online program that started right here in Reno, the problem is being addressed.

One woman had her dog taken from her by a pack of coyotes. She was so frustrated she started writing about it in a forum on AlertId's website.

That post sparked a whole conversation about the issue.

"It went out to all the members within a one mile radius and people started communicating and sharing their concerns and stories of what had happened in the same area," said Co-founder of AlertId, Keli Wilson.

After the discussion on AlertID, Wilson said the neighborhood got together and told the game warden about the issue. The warden went to those areas and removed some of the coyotes.

Wilson said when she and her husband started AlertID in Reno back in 2010, these were the kinds of issues they hoped to address.

She said AlertID has warned communities about sexual predators in the area of suspicious activity and various crimes.

This is just another instance, said Wilson, of AlertID being an instant tool for people to share information quickly and efficiently to solve problems.

"This coyote story falls under the umbrella of public safety. People are concerned about not only their families, but the pets are an extension of the family. This is just another example of people using AlertID together to solve a problem in the area."